The core purpose behind this law is to allow an adequate amount of time for helping the patient in a crisis. Also, healthcare professionals evaluate their patients so they can de-escalate their condition. Within this holding period, the responsible authorities will determine if they should hold them for longer or not. The evaluation is completely based on the condition and symptoms of mental illness of an individual. If they are not harmful to themselves or others, they will be free to go.
If you find the term ‘baker act’ unusual, then let us tell you a backstory behind this name. It was named after a former Florida representative ‘Maxine Baker’ in the early 1970s as part of the Florida Mental Health Act. This act helped many individuals who were a threat to themselves or society.
Florida Baker Act
There are certain valid sources that can Baker Act someone in Florida. The law enforcement, medical healthcare professionals, or the court. If your loved one is showing adverse mental health symptoms and you are worried for their safety, you have a few options that you can exercise.
If someone around you is acting abnormally and showing the worst symptoms of mental illness, calling the police may initiate the process of the Baker Act. This Baker Act is initiated if an individual is threatening others or showing suicidal signs.
You can certainly request the court for a Baker Act if the individual isn’t safe. You will have to file a petition for that. You can get assistance from Talmadge Law Firm for writing documents and thoroughly understanding how the Baker Act system works.
How Can Talmadge Law Firm Help?
Our team at Talmadge Law Firm can assist you legally in navigating the Baker Act system in Florida. Also, how does it all work? You can count on us to get all the necessary information and assistance in this regard because we specialize in the Baker Act law in Florida.
